• Meet the Test Kitchen •

Becky: Director of the Land O’Lakes Test Kitchen, a job she loves.

Becky has spent her entire career cooking and baking, which are also her favorite hobbies outside of work. For her, time spent in the kitchen not only relieves stress, but is lots of fun as well. Becky’s love for baking began as a child, standing on a chair next her mom, adding ingredients and mixing up dough.

Wow! What An Easy Barbecued Chicken Recipe

I mentioned on Monday that I recently had my son, Kyle, and a bunch of his buddies over for dinner. It was a warm night and eight boys were planning to come so I decided it was the perfect night to eat out on the deck. No table to set, less mess to clean up and lots of room for those big football players. It was a work night so I wanted to make something quick and easy. I found just the ticket – Sweet & Zesty Kansas Barbecued Chicken.

Not only was this recipe quick and easy, it was delicious. The boys loved it and so did I. The sauce starts with prepared barbecue sauce to which you stir in apricot or peach preserves. A little butter and chili powder adds a touch of flavor to the chicken and you’re ready to go. I served it with a garden salad, fresh fruit, corn on the cob and homemade biscuits. Good thing I made plenty (I made 6 times the recipe) because the boys went back for seconds and thirds. I also made extra sauce to serve on the side for even more flavor.

I’ve been singing the praises of this recipe here at work ever since. One night on my way out the door I stopped to talk to two co-workers and we had an impromptu recipe exchange. This recipe is so simple I could pass it on from memory so they could make it for dinner that night. I just love when I can share a great recipe!

Start by getting your grill going. Heat a gas grill on medium or prepare the charcoal grill so it has coals that are ash white. Here’s photo of ash white coals.

While the grill heats, stir the barbecue sauce and preserves together in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside. I used peach preserves and the sauce was simply yummy. Kyle loves extra sauce so I also made more in another bowl to serve on the side with the grilled chicken.

It’s hard to find skinned split chicken breasts with ribs so you will need to skin them. Because they are slippery to work with, a helpful tip is to grab the breasts and the skin you are removing with paper towels. I have found this makes skinning much easier.

In another small bowl combine the melted butter, chili powder and salt. Brush this mixture on the chicken breasts.

Now they are ready to go on the grill. Place the chicken on the grill bone-side down. Grill until lightly browned or about 20 minutes.

Brush the chicken with the sauce you have prepared and set aside.

Turn the chicken and brush with the sauce.

Continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F and juices run clear when pierced with a fork. This will take about 10 to 15 minutes.

I often cut into one piece of chicken to make sure it is thoroughly cooked (then I usually take that piece as mine). Juices are clear and the meat is not pink.

That’s it! The chicken is ready to eat. One easy, delicious recipe makes for lots of happy boys!

Like I said, I have been passing this recipe along to all of my friends. I’d love to know what you think about Sweet & Zesty Kansas Barbecued Chicken. Please try it then come back to let me know what you think by rating and reviewing it, or leave me a comment.

Next on the blog, a coffee cake made with fresh blueberries....yum!!

Becky Wahlund is the Director of the Test Kitchens for Land O'Lakes and writes for our Recipe Buzz™ Blog.

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Hi, I'm Becky. I'm eager to share my best ideas and favorite recipes from my 20+ years in the Land O'Lakes Test Kitchen. I'm also excited to help with any questions you have about cooking and baking with Land O Lakes® products. Some of the questions and answers will be published in our newsletter, The Measuring Cup®. Please use the short form below to ask your questions, or share your tip or memory.

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